Skip the line at busy bars

The J. Parker, the much-anticipated rooftop bar and restaurant at Hotel Lincoln, opened to the public on July 30. We stopped in to check out the opening night scene -- and the sweeping views of Lincoln Park, the lakefront and downtown skyline from the 13th floor.

Being blessed with a city full of nightlife destinations comes with its price: Friday and Saturday nights can mean waiting around for a table or bar stool, if you get in at all. But with a few minor adjustments and a little planning, no spot is untouchable. Thanks to lunchtime hours, many hot venues—including new seafood and absinthe bar The Savoy in Wicker Park—are open for mid-day imbibing. And if weekend crowds are crushing, consider taking up bar space on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You may have to work the next day, but at least you can get in, get out and get on your way with less of a hassle. Before you plan your next night out, consult our guide to the best and worst times to snag a table at these favorites.

Most crowded: This dual-level Wrigleyville spot generally hits its peak from 7 to 11:30 p.m. on weekends, and directly after home Cubs games you can expect a line. The upstairs Diamond Club opens at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and generally has a line by 11 p.m.

Average peak wait: 15 minutes

Least crowded: Beat the line by hitting the bar Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays when the Cubs are away.

Reservations: Claim a table and cabanas at Diamond Club by phone or e-mail (info@deucesandthediamondclub.com). The downstairs bar plans to have reservations available on OpenTable starting in late August.

Big Star

1531 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-4039

Most crowded: Let’s face it: This Wicker Park taco spot nearly always has a crowd. You’ll find it most packed on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.

Average peak wait: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Least crowded: If you’re lucky enough to have some extra time during the work week, lunch Monday through Friday is your best bet to get a table right away.

Most crowded: Like most clubs, this South Loop hangout gets especially crowded on Saturdays around midnight. As a concert venue, crowds also swell depending on the night's act. Expect Sunday nights to be anything but calm with both house music and reggae parties happening in different parts of the club.

Average wait: Saturdays quickly can hit capacity after midnight, but the staff tries to keep people from waiting more than 10 minutes.

Least crowded: For a no-wait situation, arrive around 10 p.m.

Reservations: Reservations for tables (with bottle service) are accepted via phone or through the club's website.

Most crowded: On Friday nights you can expect a wait to enter this Lincoln Park cocktail spot by midnight. The seated upstairs section generally fills up by 9-10 p.m. on weekends. Winter and fall tend to be busier with lines forming by 7:30 some nights.

Least crowded: If you're looking to sit right down, stop by on any evening Monday-Thursday.

Reservations: The entire spot is walk-ins only, but they do book parties.

Most crowded: This River North pub hits its peak on Friday and Saturdays with a line forming around 10:30 p.m.

Average peak wait: Booths and table-taps can book up weeks in advance, but for standing room at the bar, the wait varies depending on what's happening that night (hint: game days are tough).

Least crowded: Hit Public House for a weekday lunch or early dinner for the best chance of avoiding lines.

Reservations: All tables in the main area are first-come, first-served but booth seating and tables with their trademark table-taps are reservation only, available by phone or e-mail (info@publichousechicago.com).

Most crowded: Expect a line to form at Wicker Park’s most popular cocktail lounge from 9 to 11 p.m. daily. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest nights.

Average peak wait: On weekdays, you’ll likely wait only 5 to 10 minutes, but weekend waits can stretch to an hour depending on your group size.

Least crowded: Your best bet is to arrive near the bar’s 6 p.m. opening time.

Reservations: Every seat in the house is first-come, first-served and there is no standing room—they’ll only let in as many people as there are seats. If you are stuck in line, a host can take down your number and call when a spot opens up.